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Abuse is a powerful and emotive term. It is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by individuals and often by those they know and trust. Coaches and others working with young people hold this trust and may be at risk of misusing their power over the young players.

In order to provide young people with the best possible experiences and opportunities in rugby union, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour. This not only ensures that rugby union makes a positive contribution to the development of young people and safeguards their welfare, but also protects all personnel from false allegations of abuse or poor practice.

It is not always easy to differentiate poor practice from abuse, albeit intentional or unintentional. It is not, therefore, the responsibility of employees or volunteers in rugby union to determine whether or not abuse is taking place. It is, however, their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and to act if they have a concern about the welfare of a young person.

(See Section 13 to reference “Good Practice in the Rugby Setting”)

There may also be an increased risk within many sports, including rugby union, for abuse to occur which does not necessarily fit into these categories

The four main types of abuse are:

4.1      EMOTIONAL ABUSE

This occurs when individuals persistently fail to show young people due care, love or affection, where a young person may be constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted, or be subjected to sarcasm and unrealistic pressures. There may also be over protection, preventing young people from socialising, or bullying to perform to high expectations. The young person may lose self-confidence and may become withdrawn and nervous.

In a rugby situation, emotional abuse may occur when coaches:

4.1.1    Provide repeated negative feedback;

4.1.2    Repeatedly ignore a young player’s efforts to progress;

4.1.3    Repeatedly demand performance levels above those of which the young
            player is capable;

4.1.4    Over-emphasise the winning ethic.

4.2      ABUSE BY NEGLECT

This occurs when a young person’s essential needs for food, warmth and care fail to be met. Failing to or refusing to provide love and affection could also be deemed as neglect.   In a rugby situation, neglect may occur when:

4.2.1    Young players are left alone without proper supervision;

4.2.2    A young player is exposed to unnecessary heat or cold without fluids or
            protection;

4.2.3    A young player is exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury. 

4.3      PHYSICAL ABUSE

This occurs when individuals, including some young people, deliberately inflict injuries on a child, or knowingly do not prevent such injuries. It includes injuries caused by hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or using excessive force. It also occurs when individuals give young people alcohol, or inappropriate drugs, or fails to supervise their access to these substances.  In a rugby situation, physical abuse may occur when:

4.3.1   Coaches, managers or helpers expose young players to exercise/training which disregards the capacity of the players immature and growing body;

4.3.2   Coaches, managers or helpers expose young players to overplaying, over training or fatigue;

4.3.3   Coaches, managers or helpers expose young players to alcohol, or give them the opportunity to drink alcohol below the legal age;

4.3.4   Coaches, managers or helpers expose young players to performance enhancing drugs and recommend that they take them.

4.4      SEXUAL ABUSE

Girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, who use young people to meet their own sexual needs. Examples include forcing a child to take part in sexual activity such as sexual intercourse, masturbation, or oral sex. Showing children pornographic material or making suggestions that sexual favours can help (or refusal hinder) a sporting career.  In a rugby situation, sexual abuse may occur when: